X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Starting Pitcher Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 13 (2024)

Shane Baz - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Prospects, Draft Sleepers, MLB Injury News

Mike's fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for starting pitchers for Week 13 of the 2024 MLB season. Consider adding and streaming these free-agent pitchers.

Welcome back, RotoBallers, to our starting pitcher fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for Week 13 (June 17 - June 23). In this weekly piece, we search for starting pitchers rostered in less than 50% of Yahoo! leagues. These are SP options to consider that might be good additions to your fantasy roster, especially for streaming.

Last week, we recommended some starting pitchers to scoop up whose rostership was lower than they should be. For those of you in deeper leagues, we will split that into another section, looking at starting pitchers rostered in less than 30% of Yahoo! leagues. We also look at pitchers beyond this coming week and look for tasty matchups a bit further down the road. One consideration for many fantasy players is that the bottom portion of your roster in deeper fantasy leagues should be churned frequently. That means you are playing matchups and looking for pitchers who can exploit weak-hitting teams. Start anybody pitching against the following teams: Chicago White Sox, Miami Marlins, and Colorado Rockies.

Another caveat here: you are unlikely to find guys on the waiver wire that will strike out tons of hitters or be extremely exciting in most instances. What I look for are guys who can contribute to my bottom lines: a win perhaps (although chasing them is foolish and tricky), while not destroying my carefully manicured ratios. Keep your expectations modest; think it will do no harm and hope for the best. Let's get after it.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

Let's take a look at some pitchers who could help you over the next few days.

 

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups for Shallow Leagues

Recommendations for leagues of any size rostered between 30-50% on Yahoo!

Andrew Abbott, Cincinnati Reds (rostered in 50% of leagues)

Much has been written about the command issues that Abbott brings to the table. But what intrigues me is that he earns wins; he's won four of his last six starts and has gone at least five innings in eight consecutive starts. The numbers won't wow you, especially with the strikeouts; he has 57 in 74 innings. However, the 3.28 ERA and 1.19 WHIP help, as does his five wins. It is important to remember as we scan the waiver wire that every player on it has some flaw. The question is, can we use what he brings to the table and absorb what he doesn't do well on our squad? If so, grab him.

Taj Bradley, Tampa Bay Rays (rostered in 41% of leagues)

Bradley will not be on the waiver wire very long, especially after two consecutive starts with seven and 11 strikeouts. He has two wins, a 4.23 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, and 50 strikeouts in 38 innings. Eye-popping to me: the 17 swinging strikes, showed how good Bradley could be. He is worth taking a risk on at this time. This could be your last chance to get him relatively cheaply. See below.

Kyle Gibson, St. Louis Cardinals (rostered in 33% of leagues)

Many fantasy players scoff at Gibson, and I get it. Yet look at his numbers: five wins, a 3.44 ERA, a 1.20 WHIP, and 73 strikeouts in 83 innings. You don't need that? He's pitched into the sixth inning in four consecutive starts, with at least six strikeouts in each one. He shut out the Chicago Cubs on Friday night for seven innings. Gibson can fit in nicely at the back end of many fantasy rotations. Give him a look if you need rotation depth. Look at the top line, listing Gibson's May statistics, and then his three starts in June. He's been productive.

 

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups for Deeper Leagues

Recommendations for leagues of any size rostered less than 30% on Yahoo!

Shane Baz, Tampa Bay Rays (rostered in 29% of leagues)

Baz isn't back yet, but he will be shortly. He's still available in many leagues and now would be the time to add him if you are looking for a potentially dominant arm. It's been an almost two-year recovery from Tommy John surgery for Baz. He was dominant in his last Triple-A start for Durham, striking out 10 hitters over five innings and giving up one run on three hits. We remain unsure of when he will get the call back to Tampa, but it should be coming soon, and when he does, this is an impact arm for your squad. The chart below shows the above-average stuff that Baz showed when he last pitched in MLB in 2022. He's arriving soon.

Drew Thorpe, Chicago White Sox (rostered in 26% of leagues)

If the name sounds familiar, it may be due to Thorpe having been part of two mega trades in the last year. First, he went from the New York Yankees to the San Diego Padres in the Juan Soto trade; he then moved to the Chicago White Sox in the Dylan Cease acquisition. Thorpe has dominated at Double-A Birmingham, where he was 7-1 with a tiny 1.35 ERA, a 0.87 WHIP, and 56 strikeouts in 60 innings. He made his MLB debut and looked the part for the moribund White Sox, going five strong innings with four strikeouts and two walks. It was a small sample size, but his changeup looked excellent. Moreover, he looked like a guy who knows how to pitch. He should get at least two more starts for the White Sox as they continue to evaluate their young pitching. Look for Thorpe to be in the rotation, at least for the time being. See the career minor league numbers for Thorpe below; they are extremely impressive.

Simeon Woods Richardson, Minnesota Twins (rostered in 25% of leagues)

Woods Richardson is an interesting case. Many fantasy players ignored him despite the opportunity he has in Minnesota right now. He was hit around a bit Friday night in his last start, but his overall numbers remain very good: he's got two wins, a 3.29 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 46 strikeouts in 54 innings. People look under the hood and think that they want something more than what Woods Richardson provides, but he's useful as ratio control if you have strikeouts covered on your team. He should be rostered far more than in 25% of leagues. The increase in velocity on all three of his four-seamer, slider, and changeup makes me believe that he might be gaining strength and growing as a pitcher. Snap him up if you can at this low price.

Tylor Megill, New York Mets (rostered in 24% of leagues)

Megill is the forgotten rotation guy in New York but has pitched rather well in five starts. He has only one win, but a 3.51 ERA, a 1.29 WHIP, and 32 strikeouts in 25 innings. In three of those starts, he has had seven, eight, and nine strikeouts. Every fantasy team can use pitchers that garner strikeouts. Megill could be a good addition to your fantasy roster. Some interesting things to look at below, led by the fastball velocity and the K%.

 

Hurston Waldrep, Atlanta Braves (roster in 12% of leagues)

Waldrep's stats in his first start were disappointing to those fantasy players who had picked him up based on his reputation as one of the top starters in the Atlanta Braves system. He gave up seven runs in a little over three innings, on four hits (one a home run) and four walks. If people dropped him in the leagues you are in, I would ask you to reconsider that move and think of adding him. Waldrep limited hard contact despite the poor results and should get some opportunity with injuries wreaking havoc on their rotation. Waldrep gets the struggling Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday, followed by the New York Yankees next week. Add him and stash him if you do not want to start him against the powerful Yankees.

 

Other Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Options

Happy hunting for starting pitchers this weekend! If you have questions, you can always message me on X @mdrc0508. You can even tell me you hate these picks. Remember that fantasy baseball is supposed to be FUN above everything. Enjoy it!



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Advice




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Kyle Busch

is Difficult to Recommend for DFS Lineups at Michigan
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Qualifies Ninth For the FireKeepers Casino 400
Alex Bowman

What Should Fantasy Players do With Alex Bowman at Michigan?
Austin Cindric

Should Austin Cindric be Considered For Michigan DFS Lineups?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Should Shane Van Gisbergen Be Rostered For Michigan DFS Lineups?
John Hunter Nemechek

Is A Solid Value Option For Michigan DFS Lineups
Zane Smith

Is Zane Smith Worth Rostering Outside of Tournament Lineups at Michigan?
Todd Gilliland

Is A Decent Value Option for Michigan DFS Lineups
Ryan Blaney

One of the Leading DFS Contenders, but Might Be Slightly Overpriced
Ross Chastain

Has Less DFS Value than Usual Since He Qualified Better
Joey Logano

Penske Putting More Emphasis on Non-Playoff Tracks This Year, so Joey Logano Should Run Better at Michigan
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Likely to Regress to the Mean at Michigan
Carson Hocevar

After Back-to-Back Top Five Runs, Carson Hocevar Could Easily Lead Today
Austin Dillon

Richard Childress Racing's Decline in Intermediate Speed Will Likely Override Austin Dillon's Solid Record
Daniel Suarez

Will Likely Need a Strategy Play to Contend at Michigan
Josh Berry

It's Unclear Whether Josh Berry's 1.5-Mile Oval Speed Will Transfer to Michigan, but It Looks Likely
Michael McDowell

Has Weak Michigan Record, but Will Probably Run Better than He Has in the Past
Noah Gragson

Has Little DFS Value, but Probably More than His Teammates
Justin Haley

Too Mediocre to Consider for DFS Play at Michigan
Riley Herbst

Despite 23XI Racing's Speed, Don't Expect Riley Herbst to Contend at Michigan
Cole Custer

Lackluster at Michigan
Trevor Story

has Three Hits, Drives in Five
Julio Rodríguez

Julio Rodriguez Exits With Ankle/Shin Injury After Being Hit by Line Drive
Christopher Morel

Homers Twice in Three-Hit Game
Logan Webb

Fans 10 on Saturday
Jesús Sánchez

Jesus Sanchez Shines in Victory Against Rays
Bryce Elder

Records 12 Strikeouts in No-Decision
Aaron Rodgers

Signs One-Year, $13.65 Million Deal With Steelers
Giancarlo Stanton

Could Begin Rehab Assignment Next Week
Josh Reynolds

Looking Good at OTAs
Will McDonald IV

Adds Weight in the Offseason
Stefon Diggs

Looks Good "Running Routes and Cutting"
Chris Conley

Announces his Retirement
Francisco Lindor

Returning on Saturday
Darius Garland

Available "Under the Right Circumstances"
Zach Edey

to Undergo Surgery, Expected to Miss Start of the Season
Seiya Suzuki

Slugs Two Home Runs in Win Over Tigers
Miami Dolphins

Ben Stille Reuniting with Miami
Chimere Dike

Signed by Tennessee
Dillon Gabriel

Inks Rookie Deal
James Cook

to Miss Mandatory Minicamp?
Luther Burden III

Still Missing From Practice
Jaquan Brisker

Feeling Better
Devaughn Vele

Turning Heads During Offseason Workouts
Carlos Correa

Back in Action on Saturday
Bryce Harper

Lands on Injured List
Sam Hauser

Possibly on the Move?
De'Aaron Fox

: "I'll be Ready for Next Year"
Evan Bouchard

Enjoys Three-Point Period In Game 2 Against Panthers
Connor McDavid

Joins Rare Company with Three-Assist Effort
Sam Bennett

Makes NHL History with Another Goal Friday
Seth Jones

Fills Stat Sheet in Game 2 Against Oilers
Anton Lundell

Notches Two Assists in Friday's Win
Brad Marchand

Leads Panthers to Victory in Game 2 Against Oilers
Tee Higgins

Trying to Prevent Injuries
Lamar Jackson

Extension for Lamar Jackson on Ravens Docket
Anthony Volpe

Leaves Early Friday With Elbow Contusion
Gabriel Moreno

Exits Early on Friday With Hand Injury
Tyreek Hill

Won't Catch Passes Until August
Shane Bieber

Shut Down From Throwing Until Next Week
Ryan Mountcastle

Out 8-12 Months With Grade 2 Hamstring Strain
Rome Odunze

Anticipates Big Year 2
Shea Langeliers

A's Place Shea Langeliers on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Strain
Keilan Robinson

Joins Eagles
Ladd McConkey

Focused on Staying Healthy
Logan O'Connor

to Miss 5-6 Months Following Hip Procedure
Ezequiel Tovar

Rockies Place Ezequiel Tovar on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Strain
Francisco Lindor

Out Again on Friday With Toe Injury
Tyler Seguin

Nursing a Shoulder Injury
DAL

Pete DeBoer Fired by Stars
Stuart Skinner

Seeks Sixth Consecutive Win Friday
Sergei Bobrovsky

Looks to Return to Winning Ways Friday
A.J. Greer

Remains Out Friday
Corbin Burnes

to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Bryce Harper

Day-to-Day With Sore Wrist, Not Playing on Friday
Luis Robert Jr.

Returning on Friday
Gardner Minshew II

Throwing at OTAs
Rondale Moore

Active at OTAs
Colston Loveland

Could Return Soon
Sean O'Malley

Set For A Rematch
Merab Dvalishvili

Set For His Second Title Defense
Kayla Harrison

Could Become The New UFC Champion
Julianna Peña

Julianna Pena Set For Co-Main Event
Joe Pyfer

A Favorite At UFC 316
Kelvin Gastelum

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Mario Bautista

Looks For His Eighth Consecutive Win
Patchy Mix

Makes His UFC Debut
Vicente Luque

An Underdog At UFC 316
Kevin Holland

Set To Open Up UFC 316 Main Card
Alex Caruso

Shines Off the Bench in Game 1
Luguentz Dort

Knocks Down Five Triples in Game 1
Cason Wallace

Moves into the Starting Lineup in Game 1 Loss
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Scores 38 Points in Game 1 Defeat
Obi Toppin

Drops 17 Points in Game 1
Aaron Nesmith

Posts a Double-Double in Pacers Game 1 Victory
Pascal Siakam

Leads the Pacers with 19 Points in Game 1 Win
Tyrese Haliburton

Hits Game-Winning Shot as Pacers Steal Game 1
Karl-Anthony Towns

Undergoes Treatment for Knee, Finger Issues
Kevin Durant

Knicks Reportedly Make an Offer for Kevin Durant
Nicolas Batum

Clippers Expect Nicolas Batum to Return for Next Season
Tyus Jones

Reportedly on Kings Radar
Jeff Green

Wants to Play for Two More Years
Steven Adams

Rockets Desperate to Get Steven Adams Under a New Contract
Fred VanVleet

Likely to Remain in Houston
Nate Schmidt

Logs Pair of Helpers Wednesday
Carter Verhaeghe

Registers Two Assists In Game 1 Loss Against Oilers
Sam Bennett

Establishes New Franchise Record with 12 Postseason Goals
Kasperi Kapanen

Stays Productive in Finals Opener
Connor McDavid

Records Two Assists in Wednesday's Win
Leon Draisaitl

Scores Twice in Game 1 Win Against Panthers
Kristaps Porzingis

to be Moved This Offseason?
Phoenix Suns

Jordan Ott Named Suns Head Coach
Nikita Kucherov

Takes Home Second Ted Lindsay Award
Derek Forbort

Sticking with Canucks for One More Year
Noah Cates

Lands Four-Year, $16 Million Extension
Rico Hoey

a Decent Dark-Horse Option at TPC Toronto
Harry Hall

a Decent Option at TPC Toronto
Beau Hossler

Not Appealing Ahead of RBC Canadian Open
Taylor Pendrith

Could See Success at RBC Canadian Open
Ryan Fox

a Solid Option at TPC Toronto
Mackenzie Hughes

is a Risky Option at TPC Toronto
Eric Cole

Not A Great Option For RBC Canadian Open
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Volatile Option at TPC Toronto
Quade Cummins

Hard to Trust at RBC Canadian Open
PGA

Matti Schmid a High-Risk, High-Reward Play at TPC Toronto
Jake Knapp

a Boom-or-Bust Option at RBC Canadian Open
Doug Ghim

a Sneaky Value Play at RBC Canadian Open
Gary Woodland

a Solid Value Play at RBC Canadian Open
Rory McIlroy

Eyes Third RBC Canadian Open Title
Wyndham Clark

Hoping to Reverse Slide at RBC Canadian Open
Erik Van Rooyen

Erik van Rooyen Continues Rocky 2025 Campaign
Sahith Theegala

Trying to Find Positives in 2025
Justin Rose

Enjoying Career Renaissance at 44
John Pak

Striving to Improve on PGA Tour
Kurt Kitayama

Roller-Coaster Season to Continue in Canada
Max Homa

Motivated for RBC Canadian Open
Ludovit Klein

Outclassed At UFC Vegas 107
Mateusz Gamrot

Bounces Back In The Win Column
Ramiz Brahimaj

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Billy Ray Goff

Gets Submitted
Bruno Lopes

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Dustin Jacoby

Scores First-Round Knockout
Ketlen Vieira

Dominates at UFC Vegas 107
Macy Chiasson

Dominated At UFC Vegas 107
Duško Todorović

Dusko Todorovic Drops Three Fights in a Row
Zachary Reese

Gets Back In The Win Column
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF